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Hibiscus Agua Fresca

Hibiscus Agua Fresca

Linda M. Harris
Hibiscus Agua Fresca is a refreshing, tangy Mexican beverage made from dried hibiscus petals, water, sweetener, and lime.
This vibrant drink is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.
It's the perfect choice for hot days, parties, or whenever you want a light, refreshing beverage with a tropical flair.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Beverage, Drinks
Cuisine Latin American, Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium-sized pot (for boiling water)
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer (to strain the hibiscus petals)
  • 1 Large pitcher (for mixing and serving)
  • 1 Stirring spoon (for mixing the sweetener)
  • 1 Citrus juicer or reamer (for squeezing lime juice)
  • Measuring cup (for measuring water and sweetener)

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup dried hibiscus petals
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 –1/2 cup sweetener sugar, honey, or agave syrup
  • 2 tbsp lime juice from about 2 limes
  • Ice cubes optional, for serving
  • Lime wedges or fresh mint optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

Boil the Water:

  • In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
    Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the dried hibiscus petals to the water.

Steep the Hibiscus Petals:

  • Lower the heat and let the petals steep for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor.
    The water should turn a deep red color.

Strain the Liquid:

  • After steeping, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
    Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding the petals.

Sweeten the Drink:

  • Stir in your sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave syrup) until fully dissolved.
    Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more sweetener if necessary.

Add Lime Juice:

  • Squeeze the juice of 2 limes into the strained hibiscus mixture, stirring to combine.
    Taste and adjust the sweetness or lime to your preference.

Chill and Serve:

  • Let the Agua Fresca chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
    When ready to serve, pour the drink over ice cubes and garnish with lime wedges or fresh mint.

Notes

  • Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on the type of sweetener you use, you may need to adjust the amount to suit your taste. Start with less and taste as you go to prevent over-sweetening.
  • Tropical Twist: For a fruity variation, blend in some fresh fruit like mango or pineapple before straining for a tropical twist.
  • Sparkling Option: For a fizzy version, replace half of the water with sparkling water before serving.
  • Storage: Hibiscus Agua Fresca can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some of the flavors may settle.
  • Custom Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint, lime slices, or even a pinch of chili powder for an added kick.
Keyword Hibiscus Agua Fresca